Karzzzz is a Bollywood musical thriller released on October 17, 2008. Directed by Satish Kaushik, the film is a remake of the 1980 classic “Karz”, originally directed by Subhash Ghai.
The movie stars Himesh Reshammiya, Urmila Matondkar, Shweta Kumar, and Gulshan Grover in key roles. The story revolves around reincarnation, revenge, and redemption, where a man gets a second chance at life to take revenge on his killer. With high expectations due to the cult status of the original film, Karzzzz aimed to recreate the magic with a modern twist.
In this review, we will discuss the movie’s story, performances, music, direction, box office collection, and overall strengths and weaknesses to help you decide whether this film is worth watching.
Plot Summary
The film follows Monty Oberoi (Himesh Reshammiya), a successful singer who starts experiencing mysterious visions. These visions hint at a past life where he was Ravi Verma, a wealthy young man who was betrayed and killed by his wife, Kamini (Urmila Matondkar).
As Monty begins to piece together the truth, he embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of his past life and seek justice. The film is a mix of suspense, action, and drama, leading to a gripping climax where Monty finally faces his destiny.
The story is packed with emotional moments, intense drama, and a thrilling revenge arc, staying true to the core idea of the 1980 classic.
What’s Good?
- Music and Songs
Since Himesh Reshammiya is the lead actor, music was expected to be a strong point of Karzzzz. The film delivers on this aspect, with songs like “Tandoori Nights” and “Lut Jaaon” becoming quite popular. The music has a mix of energetic beats and emotional melodies that fit well with the film’s theme. - Cinematography and Visuals
The film was shot in beautiful locations, including South Africa, which adds to its visual appeal. The grand sets, colorful costumes, and stylish cinematography give the movie a rich and polished look. - Urmila Matondkar’s Performance
Urmila Matondkar as Kamini is one of the best parts of the movie. Her portrayal of a cold, manipulative woman with dark secrets adds depth to the character. She brings the right amount of intensity and grace to the role. - Story and Theme
The concept of reincarnation and revenge remains engaging even after many years. The film tries to modernize the original story while keeping the emotional weight intact.
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Music – Himesh Reshammiya’s soundtrack is catchy and fits the film’s theme. | Himesh Reshammiya’s Acting – His expressions and dialogue delivery feel flat in many scenes. |
| Urmila Matondkar’s Performance – She plays the villain role perfectly. | Screenplay and Pacing – The movie feels stretched at times, making it slow. |
| Good Visuals – The South African locations and grand sets look great. | Lack of Originality – Since it’s a remake, comparisons with the 1980 version make it look weaker. |
| Theme of Reincarnation and Revenge – Still interesting and engaging. | Overdramatic Moments – Some scenes feel too exaggerated, reducing the impact. |
Target Audience
This movie will appeal to:
- Fans of Bollywood music, especially those who enjoy Himesh Reshammiya’s songs.
- People who like revenge thrillers with emotional drama.
- Viewers who enjoy reincarnation-based stories with a suspenseful plot.
- Urmila Matondkar’s fans, as she delivers one of her best negative roles.
However, if you are expecting a movie with top-notch performances and a fresh storyline, this might not be the best choice for you.
Box Office Details
Here is a breakdown of Karzzzz‘s budget and box office performance:
- Budget – ₹25 Crore
- Worldwide Collection – ₹41 Crore
- India Nett Collection – ₹34 Crore
- Overseas Collection – ₹7 Crore
First 5 Days Box Office Collection (India and Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (₹ Crore) | Overseas Collection (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | 5.5 | 1.2 |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 6.8 | 1.5 |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 8.0 | 1.8 |
| Day 4 (Monday) | 4.2 | 1.0 |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | 3.8 | 0.9 |
Despite a good opening weekend, the collections dropped significantly in the following weeks. The movie was unable to match the success of the original Karz (1980) and ended up as an average performer at the box office.
Recommendation
Karzzzz is a decent attempt at remaking a classic, with strong music, good visuals, and an engaging story. However, it struggles with weak acting and slow pacing in some parts. If you enjoy revenge thrillers with good music, you might like this film.
Final Verdict: Watch it only if you love Himesh Reshammiya’s music or enjoy reincarnation-based stories. Otherwise, the original Karz (1980) remains a better choice!
